Common mistakes to avoid as an estate executor
Taking on the role of an executor means you are entrusted with the crucial task of ensuring that the deceased’s final wishes are respected and their estate is managed appropriately. Your responsibilities include settling debts, distributing assets, addressing tax...
Preventing identity theft after a loved one’s death
When a loved one passes away, there are a lot of things that have to be managed. One thing that may not even occur to you is trying to protect your loved one’s identity from being stolen. “Ghosting,” or post-death identity theft, is far more common than most people...
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
Estate administration is a long process that begins shortly after someone dies and ends after the distribution of their resources in accordance with their estate plan and/or Texas law. Often, the terms included in a will provide clear instructions about who should...
As an executor, should you worry that people want you removed?
Being the executor (or personal representative, as it’s known in Texas) of an estate can be a thankless and difficult job. That is true whether you were designated by the deceased in their estate plan or appointed by a probate judge. You may have to deal with family...
How obituaries can be used for criminal purposes
Whether you’re writing your own obituary as part of your estate planning or writing one for a deceased loved one, you’re probably not thinking about how it could be used by those with criminal intentions. However, unfortunately that’s something that’s crucial to keep...
How to handle being an executor for your parent’s will
As an adult, watching your parents grow older can feel challenging because you are watching them lose their strength and vigor. During this time, you may learn that one or both of your parents want you to be their executor. Before stepping into this vital role,...
What Texas executors should know about compensation
Being the executor of someone’s estate is an important responsibility. If you’ve been asked to or already agreed to take on that role for a loved one or close friend, you need to know that you’ll have a big job ahead of you. Even a relatively small and uncomplicated...
Paying creditors as an executor
There are rules and regulations that cover how creditors are paid from an estate in Texas. You must be familiar with them if you have been named as an executor. It will be up to you to follow all of them so that no issues arise. The goal will be to pay as many...
The pros and cons of being an estate personal representative
In Texas, families appoint an executor to their estate to manage their assets and final wishes. If that person is you, it might be considered an honor; however, probate and estate administration present challenges worthy of consideration before accepting the role. A...
Ways to avoid probate
You may have heard of strategies to avoid probate, but you might not understand why it matters. Probate is a legal process in which the court determines if a will is valid and oversees its enforcement. Even if you nominate an executor, Texas law requires that all...
